Friday, August 25, 2017

Sister
Lucy Kurien, founder and director of Maher Ashram, an interfaith refuge for
women and children headquartered in Pune, India, will be at Unity of Greater
Portland in Windham this weekend to share her wisdom and philosophies.

Kurien
is a Catholic nun who founded Maher after an experience she couldn’t let go. While
working in the convent, a pregnant woman came to her for shelter after her
husband had threatened to kill her.

The
rules and regulations of the convent prevented her from immediately giving the
woman the help she requested, and that same night her husband set the woman on
fire. Sister Lucy was an eyewitness to the event and took the woman to a nearby
hospital, but it was too late. Both the woman and the child she carried died
that night.

“After
that I thought it’s time for me to do something, but I was not sure what I was
going to do,” said Kurien. “Finally, with the Divine grace I was able to set up
a home for women.”

From
that first home, Maher has grown to include 44 homes in three states in India. While
the focus was originally on women, Kurien said, with women came children; and
there are presently between 850 and 900 children staying in Maher homes.

The
focus of Maher, she said, has always been on how to unite people. She is
committed to bringing people together, regardless of their caste or religion. “All
the religions are teaching us to go to the Divine,” she said. “That is what we
are teaching the children.”

Maher
focuses on value based education, rather than the teachings of any specific religion.
“All religions do what common sense tells you,” said Kurien. “Let us use that
and be good human beings!”

The
board of Maher has representatives from all faiths and the staff also comes
from a broad range of religious backgrounds. “What we are trying to see is how
we can get around this caste-ism, and the differences between the religions,”
Kurien said. To mark Maher’s 20th anniversary, Kurien launched
Maher’s Interfaith Association for Service to Humanity and Nature on February
2, 2017.

In
her talk, she will focus on:How people
can come together and work as a community, interfaith and value based
teachings, and what they are doing at Maher. Because they have lived these
philosophies at Maher for the past twenty years, there are many beautiful stories
to share, Kurien said.

“It’s very important that you build communities
of love, peace, joy and communities of acceptance and tolerance of each other
no matter where we are,” said Kurien. When people ask her religion, she said,
“I will say my religion is love.”

Darcy
Cunningham, owner of the Turning Light Center in North Yarmouth, is very
familiar with Kurien and her work. She was asked by a colleague to write a book
about replicating the Maher model. She first met Kurien in India, along the banks
of the Ganga. Inspired, she returned to India to visit Maher. “All of these people had experienced
such hardships, fear, abuse and despair – beyond my imagining – and yet this
place was full of love, joy, generosity, playfulness,” she said.

Cunningham felt
compelled to understand how and why such healing transformations could happen.

Cunningham
said she is struck by how much Maher does, with so little. There is no maximum
stay – women can stay as long as they want or need to. When they are able,
Cunningham said, they are given small tasks to do, such as helping to prepare a
meal or watch a group of children. “It was amazing to watch a woman arrive looking like
the proverbial “deer in the headlights” and see her emerge, begin to connect
with people, begin to feel safe. Then on my next trip she would be laughing and
happy in this loving community,” said Cunningham. “It’s an incredible model,
one I believe we could learn from. We seem to think one must first be fully
healed and then one can give to others – yet it’s at least in part through the
giving to others like yourself that self-worth is built and healing is
supported.”

Cunningham
said she is inspired by Kurien’s story and background. Without college or any
kind of formal training, Kurien has built communities where people, who have lived
unspeakable trauma, can heal and find happiness and meaning in their lives,
said Cunningham. She believes that by listening to and learning from Kurien,
people can be inspired to make a difference in the world, be a part of the
solution, and recognize that small steps count.

Sr. Lucy
Kurien will speak at the 10 a.m. service at Unity of Greater Portland, 54 River
Road in Windham, on Sunday, August 27, and hold a workshop at 12 p.m. the same
day. Cost of the workshop is $20. For more information on Maher, visit www.maherashram.org.

As
August comes to a close, the countdown to the first day of school begins. It’s
a time when parents get their sons and daughters ready for another successful
year of education; one of which includes the purchase of required back to
school supplies. However, not all young students get the proper start needed
and arrive on the first day of school without the appropriate educational materials.
This is where Brothers Crew MC comes in and saves the day.

Brothers
Crew MC, a Windham based motor cycle club, has established in the past few
years, a school supplies drive. “From now until mid-September, we will be
accepting donations and collecting backpacks and other school supplies,” Steven
Huntington, president and founder of Brothers Crew MC said. “Sometime after the
end of the month, we will begin delivering the supplies that have been donated
to all Windham schools as well as Portland schools, such as Bayside Learning.
It is our intention to branch out into Raymond and Westbrook schools, too.”

Brothers Crew MC began in 2013 as a group of men who enjoyed
riding motorcycles and wished to dedicate a bike ride in the memory of the
founder’s brother, Charles “Chucky” Huntington, who died at the age of 42.
After the first ride, others were interested in participating in future bike
rides. “As it continued to grow, we decided to become an official club with the
intention to honor all brothers who have passed and in doing so, relieve a
little suffering in the world at the same time,” Huntington explained in a past
interview.

And relieving the world of a little suffering is exactly
what the club is doing. “It is so important to help students from low income
families succeed with their education in order to help get them out of the
cycle of poverty,” Huntington began. “I know because I was one of those
students. I came from a really poor family and when I arrived on the first day
of school with nothing, it affected my confidence and the level of security I
felt. And when you’re young with low self-esteem, you can resort to bullying
and other inappropriate behavior. We, as a club, want to prevent that from
happening in our community and we want to help those students achieve a better
life for themselves by giving them a head start.”

President Steven Huntington

Brothers Crew MC asks for the following supplies that are
required by the Maine School system. Those supplies include:

1 backpack

12 #2 Pencils

2 glue sticks

2 pink erasers

1 package of washable felt markers

1 pair of scissors

1 pencil case

10 pocket folders

1 package of lined paper

1 package of plane paper

8 lined notebooks

2 blue pens

1 package of pencil crayons

Huntington wishes to extend a special thanks to other motor
cycle clubs, The Outlaws MC and The Raiders MC who both have made significant
donations to the school supplies drive.

To deliver or mail the supplies, please send to: 514 Falmouth
Road in Windham 04062. Brothers Crew MC is also willing to pick up the supplies
if one is unable to deliver or mail them. For pick-ups please call 207-310-7901
or message Huntington on their Brothers Crew MC Facebook page.

The story is not over yet, as there’s one more thing to
mention. Once the Brothers Crew MC School Supplies Drive is completed, they
will begin gearing up for their Thanksgiving Drive in mid-October (last year
they fed 927 Maine families.) After that, it will be their Christmas Drive for
needy Maine families.

It seems Brothers Crew MC never takes a break. Perhaps this
is what one does when their goal is to relieve a little suffering in the world.

Friday, August 18, 2017

The Windham Parks and Recreation Department in
collaboration with Maine Alpine Guiding, hosted the first annual Windham Trails
Day on Saturday, August 12 at Lowell Nature Preserve in East Windham and Donna
Lippman Park on Route 302. The morning consisted of cleaning the trails of
natural debris, followed by a free BBQ at noon and a free workshop on subjects
such as mountaineering, ice climbing and hiking from Maine Alpine Guiding. Participants
also received free t-shirts.

Although one goal was to remove branches, brush and weeds
from the trails, there were otherobjectives in mind that included bringing
people together to foster community and a love of the outdoors. “The
primary goal was met on Saturday,” stated Linda Brooks, Director of Parks and
Recreation . . . that being to have people come together and volunteer for the
community and, in return, have some good food and fellowship.”

Molly Bennett, the Park Ranger Intern reiterated Brooks’
sentiments. “Even though there were a small number of people there, there was
the sense of friendship and community between the participants,” Bennett said.
“When I was out on the trails working with others, people were learning about
each other and laughing together in minutes. They were even helping each
other identify plants and swapping stories about wildlife sightings in Windham.
Some local Girl Scout troop leaders seemed like they enjoyed the event and
hopefully will use Lowell Preserve and Maine Alpine Guiding in their own troop
activities.”

The idea to have a Windham Trails Day was the brainchild
of Rick Charity, owner and guide of Maine Alpine Guiding, a new guiding and eco-tourism
company in Windham. “He called us and told us about his company and that he
would like to organize a day for trail work and community,” Bennett continued.
“I started working on it that same day. We set it on August 12 so that we
would have time to publicize the event over the summer, but next year we are
hoping to have it in June to

coincide with National Trails Day.”

For next year’s event, the hope is to expand the
offerings by incorporating a 5k race with Baxter Outdoors, a company that does
trail races throughout Maine and is also a brewery. In fact, conversations
with Baxter Outdoors are already in the works. “Adam Platz, from Baxter
Outdoors, is excited about the idea and we are working together to plan a trail
race, which should attract outdoor enthusiasts around Maine,” Bennett said.

Maine Outdoor Guiding, an outdoor adventure program that
includes advanced expedition style adventures to Mt. Katahdin and ice climbing
explorations in Graton Notch and which is also a Licensed/Master Level
Adventure Therapy Program hopes to be a part of next year’s event again.

It’s important to Windham Parks and Recreation to include
local businesses to be a part of this yearly event. “We will encourage local
businesses to join Maine Alpine Guiding in helping to make this a great event,”
Brooks began. “And we will hope to collaborate with other entities to expand
the offerings next year.”

Both Bennett and Brooks are discussing various ideas that
could possibly be part of future trail day events. Thoughts discussed so far
include, but are not limited to, mountain bike racing, live music, bounce house
and more, to encourage a more community members to have fun while also being a
steward to the trails.

One participant, Cindy Murphy, often walks the trails at
the 308 acre Lowell Preserve and wanted to help out so others can enjoy the
trail too. “I like hiking in Lowell Preserve,” she said. “I like the idea of
repairing the trails and keeping it safe for others.”

Bennett stated that the Annual Trails Day Event would
also be a good opportunity for scouts to earn
badges and do community service,
as well as high school students who need community service hours to graduate.

As for the actual clearing of the trails, a lot was
completed at the two locations in the three hour time-frame that was dedicated
to the nature paths. “We got pretty much all that we wanted done at Lowell
Preserve, although it is a big property with a lot of room for improvement in
mapping, signage, and more,” explained Bennett. “Lippman Park got a lot done
with trash pickup and brush trimming with help from the Lions Club. For
Linda and me, this event is not so much about the amount of work completed as a
sense of community and a celebration of the outdoors. I was inspired by their
attendance and hard work.”

Astronomy buffs
say the solar show will be less than spectacular, but worthwhile viewing

The
moon over Maine will obscure less than 60 percent of the sun on Monday. And
although darkening is expected to be minimal, local eclipse fans have made
viewing plans at work, from home or at special gatherings.

The
Windham Public Library will broadcast live streaming coverage (so to speak) of
the solar eclipse for up to 50 people in the downstairs meeting room.
Children’s room coordinator Diane Currier said the library’s Solar Eclipse
Event will also feature information, activities and safe outdoor viewing of the
partial eclipse, utilizing pinhole projections and protective solar eyeglasses.
The event begins at 2 p.m.

Safe
eclipse eyewear is a must for direct viewing. Most local stores are sold out,
but Currier says most visitors to the library event will get to use and keep a
pair of the solar glasses.

An
eclipse of the sun occurs when the moon moves into a precise position between
the earth and the sun, blocking its light. Even more phenomenal than the event
itself is the fact that, at the time of eclipse, the diameter of the moon and the
sun, as viewed from earth, is a virtual match. The result, as someone once put
it, of sheer heavenly happenstance.

The
Great American Eclipse, as it’s being called, is unique in that it is centered
only on the American continent. Totality will occur only in a narrow band, 67
miles wide, from Oregon to South Carolina. It will zoom across the country in
90 minutes. Latitudes north and south of the line will experience varying
degrees of partiality. In the Portland area, 58.6 percent of the sun’s surface
will be covered, resulting only in a slight dimming. That is, day will not
become night and the stars will not come out, as in a total eclipse.

“The
dimming will be slight, almost imperceptible,” according to Ed Gleason, Windham
resident and director of the University of Maine’s Southworth Planetarium in
Portland; who adds, “The planetarium will be open with live NASA feeds of the
eclipse starting at 1:45 p.m. and, weather permitting, we will also have
someone outside with a scope to enable people to observe the eclipse.”

The
slow dimming of the sun, even during a partial eclipse, produces eerie
daylighting, unlike the fading light caused by dark clouds passing in front of
the sun. As described in a publication by Bill Nye (the science guy) recently,
“Filtered sunlight creates alternating bands of light and dark on the ground –
it’s otherworldly and spooky.”

Looking
directly at the sun will damage eyes, possibly leading to blindness. The only
safe way to view the eclipse is through special-purpose filters, such as
eclipse glasses. Sunglasses or exposed photo film (negatives) are not safe.

Ron
Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomical Group, who recently hosted a program on
the eclipse at Windham Library said, “A solar eclipse is something you’ll never
forget,” but went on to warn sternly and adamantly against watching it with the
naked eye. Addressing both adults and children at the session, he added, “I
don’t mean to scare you – but I do.”

Thompson
reviewed safe ways to view an eclipse, including watching it indirectly by
constructing various pinhole devices and projecting the image onto a flat
surface; #14 welders glass is safe. Other alternatives are solar telescopes and
so-called sunoculars (specially filtered binoculars). On-line strategies for
safe viewing can be accessed at eclipse.aas/eyesafety.org and
tidelandshealth.org/see-it-safely.

Of
recent concern is the sale of counterfeit, or fake, eclipse glasses. One way to
test whether solar glasses are safe to use is to make sure they are stamped
with an ISO certification label. In addition, the American Astronomical Society
recommends an at-home test. They suggest looking through the special lenses –
you should not be able to see anything except for the sun or anything
significantly bright, like halogen or LED lights. Even those should look dim.
Also, check for tears or scratches.

The
best viewing time for Monday’s eclipse will be between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you
miss it, just wait for the next one . . . in 2024.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Raymond Hill Community Center (RHCC) located at 7 Raymond
Hill Road recently began offering weekly Qigong lessons on Saturday mornings
from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The first class began on Saturday, July 15 with plans to
continue the practice into the fall.

Qigong practitioners move in a meditative, calming movement

The classes are taught by Karen Rendall, an instructor from
the Maine Center for Taijiquan and Qigong, and they provide an opportunity for
the community to experience the relaxation advantages and explore the many
reported benefits of the ancient Chinese healthcare practice. Everyone, no
matter the level of experience, is invited to participate. The cost is $5 per
class. Registrations are not required as walk-ins are welcomed.

Pronounced “Chee Gong”, the meditative movement practice is
an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused
intentions. Often associated with its cousin, Tai Chi (also written Taijiquan),
the awareness of Qigong in Western culture began in the 1950’s and has been
reported to be approximately 2,500 years. However, archaeologists and
historians have discovered qigong-like techniques that are at least five
thousand years old.

Qigong has slowly become more popular in recent years.
According to the Maine Center for Taijiquan and Qigong website, “Taiji &
Qigong practice is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Part of the
resurgence in popularity of this fabulous art can be attributed to increased
cultural exchange, divergence from traditional teaching methods, evolved
scientific understanding of efficacy of methods and growing demand for low cost
holistic wellness modalities.”

Many participate in the practice of Qigong due to the
reported benefits.

“I was motivated to create it [the Qigong class] as a result
of the ‘Healthy Aging Initiative’ happening here in Raymond,” explained
Mary-Therese Duffy, one of the founding members of RHCC. “The research and
recommendations regarding Qigong practice and aging is striking.”

Multiple scholarly articles can be found that verifies
Duffy’s assertion, including scientific studies from Harvard Medical Center and
Yale Medical School.

According to the Journal of International Society of Life
Information Sciences, the positive effect that Qigong practice has on the aging
process should not be ignored. “These results show that qigong exercise
decrease by about 50 percent the incidence of tota1 mortality, mortality due to
stroke, and morbidity due to stroke. At the end of 30 years, 86 patients
survived in the qigong group and 68 in the control group, these results clearly
show that qigong has significant potential for preventing strokes and extending
life.”

Popular magazines have also published articles regarding
Qigong, including a Newsweek article published in September 27, 2004 entitled, “The
New Science of Mind and Body.” In that and other magazine articles, the
additional benefits of practicing Qigong include but are not limited to stress
relief, improving asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue,
fibromyalgia and headaches.

Those who attend the Saturday classes at RHCC include those
who have been practicing Qigong for many years as well as those who are
experiencing it for the first time. Participants who have made the practice a
part of their daily life claim to experience certain benefits.

Charlotte Engelman and Scott Sutton

Scott Sutton from Raymond stated that his practice creates a
level of wellness in his life. “Qigong is taking time to connect my body and
spirit to experience greater wellness, peace and joy in the moment,” he said.

Charlotte Engelman, also from Raymond, who has enjoyed the
practice of Qigong off and on for 20 years states that it helps her face daily
life more calmly. “The centering aspect blocks out the craziness of life and
gives me a calm feeling for the day,” Engelman began. “And when I go out into
the world, I feel I have more strength and stamina to face whatever comes my
way.”

“My practice keeps me mentally grounded, improves my
quality of sleep, and keeps me feeling physically strong and balanced,” stated Rendall
who has been practicing since 2002 and began teaching in 2011.

For those who are experiencing Qigong for the first time or
our new at the practice of Qigong, Rendall calms any apprehensions one might
have. “It's challenging to walk into a room full of strangers and
participate in something that you might not know much about,” began Rendall.
“Every Qigong instructor I have learned from has worked hard to make
participants feel comfortable, they have encouraged people to move with respect
to their own comfort levels, and to have an enjoyable experience. I encourage
everyone who asks me about Tai Chi and Qigong to visit a class to try it out.

In a basic or beginner class, the moves tend to be simple and are practiced
with a slow meditative quality - often people leave class and feel more
relaxed.”

For more information about Qigong (and/or Taiji), contact the
Maine Center for Taijiquan and Qigong at www.mainetaiji.com or call 207 780-9581.

"Windham Then
and Now” - The fifth in a series of historical topics about Windham’s unique
history and heritage

Some
local residents once said the establishment of a Walmart store in the center of
North Windham was a watershed moment in the transition from country town to
suburb. Today, many residents concede they don’t know or can’t remember what
occupied the site before the big store’s arrival in 1994.

The
Manchester family, descendants of Stephen Manchester (a founding settler), have
lived on the property for well over 150 years. In 1958, Lawrence and Francis
Manchester established Sebago Basin Tenting, a campground that became a
destination for thousands of visitors from all over New England and Canada. Some
stayed for a few days and others, seasonal patrons, settled in for the summer.
The area boasted 29 original campsites with a variety of activities from
swimming and boating at nearby Sebago Basin beaches to ball games, dancing,
horseshoes and campfire sing-alongs. Their son, David, and wife Carol, shared
some of the memories.

Built
in 1961, the imposing rec hall, 32 feet to the ridgepole and easily visible
from 302, accommodated registrations, dispensed information and was the central
meeting place for gab, games, dancing and leisure.

A
gazebo was soon added. On warm summer evenings a pull-down screen would be hung
from its side, film threaded through a 16mm projector and movies shown to
campers who would gather under the stars, seated on in-the-round benches.

In
those times, a Maine camping experience was unique. David recalled a New Jersey
camper’s remark about the crystal-clear Sebago Basin water. “He stepped into
the water, looked down, and exclaimed, ‘I can see my feet.’”

Over
the 1960s and 70s, the campground expanded from 29 to 175 camp sites. The
expansion, maintenance and administration was, according to David, the combined
effort of the Manchester family, including his parents, six brothers and
sisters, cousins, friends and neighbors.

“For
us, it was a great place to grow up. And many of the campers became our close
friends.”

As
Sebago Tenting grew, so did the variety of campers and activities. The sandy basin
beaches welcomed sunbathers and swimmers. The 20 or so boat slips afforded lake
exploration and water skiing. Visitors also delighted in the live bands, square
dancing, camp fires, cultural speakers and ping pong and pinball in the rec
hall.

Highlight
activities for kids included hayrides behind the old Farm-All tractors; messy,
but tasty, watermelon eating contests; decorating bicycles and floats for
holiday parades through the wooded roadways and campfire songs with local
singer/composer Rick Charette.

Now: Walmart sits in the location now.

Competitive
games, remembers David, were wildly popular. “Every night, the ball field
filled up with spectators to cheer on their favorite softball teams. Sometimes
there was even a double-header.” Enthusiasm also ran high for tug-of-war games,
3-legged races and horseshoe tournaments.

“We
had so many wonderful people who energized the games and activities,” recalled
David, “There was one guy. We called him the Mayor. He had a big presence. He
looked and spoke like a mayor, a real unique personality and a natural
supervisor. He was always helping and organizing.” The mayor, he said, returned
for many seasons. Of the 175 campers each year, many were repeat patrons, and
over 50 were seasonal.

In
addition to being the owners, “Our family was major participants,” said David.

The
high degree of hustle & bustle also spawned entrepreneurial opportunities
for youth. David and Carol’s son, Lawrence, opened a steamed hot dog stand.
Another son, Walter, became a bicycling newsboy, delivering Portland Press
Herald and Evening Express newspapers to the campers.

Through
the 1970s and 80s, the camping experience and equipment became more
sophisticated. The introduction of canvas top and pop-up trailers, and later,
motor homes and RV’s prompted modern updates to the Manchester campground,
including electricity and bath houses. Also, a name-change that was more in
keeping with the times seemed needed. Sebago Basin Tenting became Sebago Basin
Camping.

In
February 1986, a major set-back: Vandals broke into the A-frame and started a
fire. As described in Carol Manchester’s article, it was “the beginning of the
end. Because of the deep, snow-covered quarter mile road to it, firefighters
could not save the building. The business opened for the next two seasons but
the A-frame, center of the campground experience, was gone and greatly
increased insurance premiums - it closed after 30 summers.”

For
those who remember, a shopping trip to Walmart and surrounding stores can be
somewhat surreal. Whether treading through housewares or the market, it’s the
same space occupied by 30 years of camping vacationers, back, not so long ago,
in those country-town days.

Sweet
and juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, fresh baked cookies and sweet
breads; if your mouth is watering at the
mention of these words, then what follows next will surely strike your interest
- a farmers market where one can purchase fresh locally grown fruits and
vegetables and homemade goods.

The
newly formed Farmers Market at the Rotary offers that and more every Thursday
from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Seavey’s parking lot located at 421 Roosevelt
Trail in Windham. Other items that are available to purchase include: pork,
eggs, goat milk soap, handmade baskets, granola, certified organic produce and
herbs.

Farmers
Market at the Rotary is an independent group organized by Julee Applegarth from
Sweet Relief Farm in Standish. It features local artisans from groups such as:
Mini-Hooves Farm from Limington, The Purple Wisk from Westbrook, Bantu Somalian
Community from Lewiston and Sweet Relief Farm from Standish.

Community
farmers markets have grown substantially in the past 10 years and are the place for entrepreneurs to test products and community members
to gather. Their presence adds economic growth as well as increases the
community networks.In fact, Applegarth
expressed it best,“It is all about connections,” she said as she
explained how this farmer’s market began.

Currently there is not a town sponsored Farmers Market
in Windham, but it is in the works. “Although Farmers Market at the
Rotary’ on Thursday afternoons is a sole
entrepreneurial venture and not a town sponsored market, it is in the plans
with the Town of Windham to have a weekly farmer’s market as soon as next
summer,” says Tom Bartell Director of Economic Development. “It is our
hope that by next summer, we will have many area farmers gathering in one
location on a weekly basis to provide fresh produce to the community and to
promote economic sustainability for area farmers.”

On Tuesday evening August 8, the proposed town
sponsored farmers market was on the agenda to be reviewed at the Town Council
Meeting. The Town Council continued its strong support for a farmers
market and tasked the Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to
continue its organizational efforts toward starting a market early next
year. The Council asked WEDC to return with a more detailed plan and any
requests for resources in the next few months.

For now, Farmers
Market at the Rotary is the place to go for fresh local produce and goods.If you miss them on Thursdays, you can reach
out to the artisans directly and check out what is upcoming by liking their
Facebook page: Farmers Market at the Rotary.

If you are interested in participating in and selling
produce at the proposed Town of Windham farmer’s market, please contact Bartell
at thbartell@windhammaine.us

Friday, August 4, 2017

Susan
and Raymond Dupuis are just two ordinary individuals who have a passion for
dance. They also both have an intrinsic yearning to take that passion and serve
others in need within the community through various fundraising efforts.

When
they give their time and services, the couple shift into their alter egos, widely
known here in the Windham and Raymond areas as Flamin’ Raymin and Sizzlin’
Suzzin.

It
all began approximately 25 years ago, when as single parents, the two met at a
line dance event. Both being single parents who loved to dance, the two quickly
became a pair – going to events and teaching line dance at least six times a
week. “Line dancing was a very big activity during this time,” stated Susan Dupuis.
“Sadly, after about seven years, its popularity seemed to take a dive. About
the same time, we gravitated into entertainment.”

That’s
when their DJ business began. As far as the notable name, the story goes like
this: “We began using the names Flamin’ Raymin’ and Sizzlin’ Suzzin when we
became dance instructors,” Susan Dupuis began. “Ray had been known as ‘Framing
Raymond’ since he was known as one of the fastest framers around in the
construction industry. One night he wore a flame shirt to a line dance event
and he was dubbed Flamin’ Raymin. We decided I would need a catchy name so as a
joke, we came up with Sizzlin’ Suzzin’. Had I known it was going to stick, I
would have chosen a different name,” Susan Dupuis joked.

Over
the years, the two noticed a resurging interest in line dancing but realized
there was not a venue to provide this form of entertainment. This is when they
decided to donate their time as DJ fundraisers. “This gives the dancers a place
to dance and helps out people in need,” Susan Dupuis stated. “It’s a win/win
situation.”

Recent
fundraising and dancing eventshave
included but are not limited to monies raised for needy children at Christmas
time, as well as funds raised for and donated to a two-year old girl in Windham
who is fighting leukemia.

Raymond
and Susan also enjoy fundraising on a personal level. “The one fundraising
event that is closest to my heart is the event we did to help my daughters meet
their fundraising goal for Tri for a Cure,” explained Susan Dupuis. “Both of my
daughters are breast cancer survivors.”

As
for their DJ fundraising efforts, they both acknowledge the help they have
received from the community to assist with the success of the events. “We are
most thankful for Dena, the owner of Dena’s Restaurant, who has donated the use
of her facilities for many of our events. We also would like to thank the Town
of Windham for the use of the Town Hall Recreation Room for the events that we
have done for the community.”

Flamin’ Raymin’ and Sizzlin Suzzin’ still offer line dancing
classes at Windham/Raymond Adult Education as well as in Gray. For more
information, contact Susan and Raymond at raysuedance.com or 939-4254.

It is their goal to provide a fundraising event once a
month, beginning this fall.

When one gives in ways that helps others, feeling fortunate
seems to go with the territory.

“Ray
and I feel truly blessed to be able to do something we love to help benefit
others” said Dupuis.

The
seventh annual Kelli’s 5K is just around the corner; all area runners and
walkers are invited to participate. There’s only a little over a week to register.
Those who wish to get in an early morning jog or leisurely walk and contribute
to a great community cause at the same time, can do so on Saturday, August 12
at the Windham High School’s cross country course. Located at 406 Gray Road, the
annual Kelli’s 5K will begin at 9 a.m. with two courses to choose from. The first, a challenging and timed 5K run that will
include rolling terrain, a series of bridges and a steep path. The second
course is a non-timed walkathon around the Windham High School Campus.

Registration
for the annual walk/run has already begun and will continue to be accepted up
to 30 minutes prior to the race. But hurry! The first 50 paid registrants will receive a Team Kelli T-shirt.

The
Kelli’s 5K, hosted by St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, became an annual running and
walking event in 2010, to remember and honor Kelli Hutchison, a member of the
church. Kelli passed away at the age of 10 on February 16, 2010, of GBM brain
cancer, an aggressive form of cancer that most often occurs in adult men ages
50 to 70. Although the run/walk may have been precipitated by somber
beginnings, the true focus of the Kelli’s 5K is to spread light, friendship and
the art of giving to others, which represents Kelli’s true life expressions.

Every
year, proceeds from the event are distributed in a number of ways. As always,
monies raised are contributed to the anticipated growth of theKelli
Hutchison Memorial Playground, located on the grounds of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church,
40 Windham Center Road.

To
continue and honor Kelli’s desire to help others, portions of the funds raised
this year will go toward the Windham/Raymond school district for activity fees
as well as to Nolan Cyr, a local boy battling cancer.

A portion of funds raised will go toward Nolan Cyr

“Each
year we like to share some of our proceeds from Kelli's 5k,” said Melissa
Hutchinson, Kelli’s mother. “This year we thought of Nolan Cyr, a 10 year old
boy from Windham who is battling a disease and is someone that our church has
been praying for - someone that could probably use a bit of a distraction in
his life - maybe have a chance to do something exciting or even something that
makes him feel regular - to forget the disease - a family that could use a bit
of something special or even something normal.”

It
is also important to the Hutchinson family as well as the Kelli Memorial
Playground committee to give a portion of the monies raised to the RSU14
activity fees. “We know there are kids who can’t afford to participate in
various school activities but want to,” explained Dan Wheeler, chair of the
playground committee. “We want to help those children join in on the activities
they would not be able to participant in otherwise.”

As
for the anticipated growth of the playground, there is an expansion that will
soon occur. “We hope to freshen up the present playground by installing new
equipment this spring,” Wheeler said. “Presently, the playground has no trees
so we will be planting six trees strategically around the play area this fall.”

A photoshopped rendering of trees added to the playground

The
Memorial Playground was built to not only honor Kelli’s memory, but to be a fun
and well used community recreation spot for all children to play. It seems that
the purpose and goal of the playground’s existence has been met. “I work every
day at the church, and there are always children using it,” stated Wheeler. “It
is very well used and that makes us happy.”

For
those who have not yet registered for the run/walk and wish to do so, it is not
too late. To register, go online at www.kellis5k.com. The cost to register is $15
before the event, $20 the day of the event. To make a donation for playground improvement visit Playground donation or for further information, please contact Dan Wheeler at dlfwheeler@aol.com.

For
more information about Nolan Cyr, his journey with cancer as well as other
fundraising efforts, please visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fightlikeacyr/.

If
you can’t make the event or are unable to make a financial donation, there is
one more thing you can do. “I hope everyone keeps Nolan in their prayers,” said
Hutchinson. “This was one thing I'd ask of people if they wanted to do
something for Kelli or for us; prayers. Anyone can do them, they don't cost
anything and they mean so much.”